Paul joined the Club in 1963 having been introduced by his high school friend John Stead. He achieved his surf bronze in 1963, Instructors Certificate in 1971, was Canterbury Surf Life Saver of the Year in 1972, received a Service Award from Surf Life Saving Canterbury in 1987, a Service Award from Surf Life Saving New Zealand in 1992, and a Distinguished Service Award Surf Life Saving Canterbury 2001. He was a Surf Examiner in 2001 and received his SLSNZ 50 Year Badge in 2013.
Paul’s children James and Melanie obtained their surf awards and competed and patrolled for the Club.
Paul particularly enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of members and this was the key to ensuring a long association with the club. “This ensured that it was easy to compete in teams, enjoy patrols and involve oneself in coaching and administration plus enjoy an active social life!” “From a competition perspective the Nelson Shield, the National Surf Teams Race Championship (with Paul Goldsmith, Dave Gerrard and Chris Read), the Taplin Relay and the Alan Gardner Trophy were special results”.
Paul enjoyed numerous success in gaining national and provincial titles as an athlete and coach. He was a member of 10 National Six Man Rescue and Resuscitation winning teams, plus a member of 5 Four Man Rescue and Resuscitation winning teams. He was a member of teams that won 30 national titles (6-man, 4-man, Taplin Relay, Surf Teams race and March Past), 17 second places and 13 third places. A member of teams to win 53 Canterbury tiles, plus 28 second places and 14 third places. Also, coach of 4 Nelson Shield teams (Senior 6-man R&R).
Paul was elected a Life member in 2001, was president 1995-1999, club captain 1969-1971; 2002; secretary 1972-1973. Club coach – mainly R & R plus TM team to 2 World Club Championships. He was an instructor for surf lifeguard awards, Canterbury coach 1984-1990 and Canterbury representative 1966-1975, 1977, 1979 and 1981. Paul was a Canterbury selector 1981-1990 and he represented NZ on an Education Tour to the USA in 1969.
Over the years Paul remembers many highlights that included the opportunity to encourage and qualify a large number of junior lifeguards. The first group (30 plus), mainly from Burnside High School obtained their surf awards in 1971 resulting in the entry of 4 Junior 6-man R & R teams in a local carnival. A similar influx of juniors in 2000/2001 occurred and 25 plus received their surf awards. The help from Barry Turpin’s / PC’s Fund was crucial for gear for this group. The 75th Anniversary Celebrations and the Centennial Celebrations were both fantastic events and the privilege to contribute to the centennial publication was exceptionally rewarding. The opportunity to represent NZ in the USA on an Educational Tour and introducing the rescue tube to the New Zealand in 1969 was a special experience. Being available to perform (with Dave Bradley) 15 rescues on a scorching day in February 1973, when the temperature reached record 41 degrees. The rescues were within an hour and a half earned a “rescue of the year” citation.
Observations Paul made in his time with the club were the significant contribution of the bach owners, the ‘family atmosphere’ that exists plus the enjoyment of friendships and company of club members from a wide range of backgrounds and interests.
